Resizing an Omega watch bracelet the easy way

Sizing an Omega Watch Bracelet

by Keith Downing

reprinted with permission

although this page focuses on Omega bracelets

it also provides tips for resizing standard push pin type bracelets

This watch bracelet tool is is so simple to use, in fact, that even with my total lack of manual dexterity, I managed to re-size a bracelet like a pro on the first try. An amazing little tool for removing press-fit pins in links to size bracelets.

It's easier if you take one end of the bracelet off the watch first. Push the pins out in the direction of the arrows on the bracelet by lining up the drift pin and turning the screw.

When sizing a bracelet use the short pin on the tool to "break" the pin in the bracelet free. Then, if you are sizing an Omega bracelet, switch the pin in the tool to the longer pin to continue pushing out the bracelet pin. See below for instructions on switching the pins in the tool.

The bracelet illistrated below is from an Omega Seamaster

In the center section, there is a locking sleeve. Notice it is has a notch close to each end. This corresponds with a crimp in ONE end of the pin. When you insert the pin back into the bracelet, aligning the holes, make sure the crimp end of the pin goes in last. This means the crimp doesn't have to push through two of the notches in the sleeve.

Make sure you push the pin back in in the opposite direction of the arrows. Push the pin in with a hard surface, making sure you align all the holes. I usually use the tool to recess the pin going back in. This is a little tricky, because the drift pin wants to slide off the end of the bracelet pin. Be carefull here if you don't want to make any marks on you links.

It's pretty easy with this bracelet, but much harder with the older style "Bond" bracelet, which has two shorter locking sleeves and more holes to align and push through.

Addendums

to change the pins in the tool:

1. Unscrew the part with the pin from the base

2. Hold that in one hand - by the knurled part

3. In the other hand take a pair of pliers or vice grips - with that tool grasp the base of the pin.

4. Twist the tool holding the pin tightly clockwise and counter clockwise

5. At the same time be pulling the pin out of the piece with the knurled nob holding the pin.

6. Install a new pin via the reverse process

A brilliant idea from Dale T. He suggests reversing the pin pusher in the threaded holder of the tool and using the "blunt" end to help seat the pin in the bracelet. By doing this it's easy to push the pin all the way up to the edge of the bracelet and not scratch the bracelet. Then, says Dale, simply reverse the pin pusher in the holder to it's original configuration and "seat" the pin the correct distance in the bracelet.

From talking with customers, different watch manufacturers use different systems for the push pins in their bracelets.

Some watch bracelets have just the pin holding the links together and the pins are held in place by the deisgn of the pin and friction alone. This is the case with Titoni bracelets, for example.
BUT some manufacturer's use tiny bushings in the links that hold the pins firmly in place. This is apparently the case with some Citizen and Hamilton bracelets, for example.

As a result, I strongly suggest you work over a clean white surface when you remove a link and pin you can find the bushing/s -- just in case your bracelet uses that system.

I am sorry, I do not know which bracelets use bushings in combination with the pins in their bracelets